Chapter IX
FIRST STRIKE
Luna stood up, ready to race out of the room. "We's hafta get ta Manhattan right away, befoah something bad happens!" she said looking at the Bronx newsies as they all glanced at her with confused expressions painted on their faces. "What's da mattah? What's gonna happen in Manhattan?" Snare asked standing up as well, a look of full concern etched on his face. "I's heard Spot Conlon sayin' dat dey's had a rally at Irving Hall ta night wit Manhattan," Luna explained, pouring out her concern not only for her friends, but for the newsies as well. "If Queens got ta dem—"she let her sentence trail as Stretch stood up. "Den we's gots ta go," Stretch agreed getting ready to head out the door, regardless if any of the Bronx kids helped or not. "We's can't just rush ovah dare if nuttin' is really happening," KO advised. "But we's can't risk havin' something happen an' us not be dare!" Luna shot back heading for the door now. "I's say dat we's send a small group ovah. If something is happening, send a runner ovah here ta get back up, ya hear me?" Snare ordered as a few nodded. "I's go wit ya, an' KO, London an' Dusk, you's come too. Da rest stay here until you's get woid. An' I's want Satire ta watch ovah me brudda, ya hear? I's get woid ta Preach tamorrow ta get 'im here ta look afta him." Snare walked over to his bunk, grabbing a chain and an extra belt. "Here, take dis," he said handing it to Luna. "Let's go," he called leading them out of the Lodging House. "Now where ya going?" Charlie called sticking his head out of his bedroom door way. "We's might have a problem in Manhattan Charlie," Snare said as Charlie nodded, stepping in his room and coming back out with another belt and handing it to London. "You's be careful, now ya here? Don't need to be losing you's kids foah good now," Charlie nodded as they headed out of the Lodging House. Luna felt her stomach turned as they headed towards the border. She knew they might already be too late.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minty frowned glancing down at Reverie as she finally lay speechless in her sleep. She feared that even though Reverie had stopped talking about all the things from the future, that she could start any moment, and they would end up getting caught. "Good dat she's finally sleepin'," Atlantic nudged to her. "Dat way she ain't talking 'bout all dat stuff from back home." Minty nodded, still not feeling sure what to do about the situation. "She's finally sleeping," Sneaks breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down next to Dream who had switched places with Illusion. Illusion just rubbed her hand over and over Reverie, praying that she would get better. "Yeah, 'bout time too," Dream nodded sleepily. The night was growing shorter, and the girls had barely even tried to sleep. "I wonder where the boys are?" Jay-Bug asked, looking at Gin who just shrugged and turned to look back at Reverie. "You," Jack said striding over to where Gin was sitting, "are really good at singin'. If ya's want, I's could get an audition foah ya wit Medda ovah at Irving Hall. She's always lookin' foah new talent ta showcase." Gin blushed gazing up into her favorite newsie's brown eyes. "You's really think I's dat good?" Gin gazed down, then back into his eyes as he nodded. "Sure!" he replied as Gin shrugged. "If you's can get me an audition, dat would be wonderful," she grinned, trying to contain her happiness. He thought she was really good at singing! The door burst open without warning as Blink ran in, carrying his hat in his hand. "Jack! You gotta come quick!" he yelled, sweat dripping from his brow, the girl realizing that he must have been running back to the lodging house. His face was pale white; his eyes seemed to be scanning the room in a frantic panic. For once all thoughts of Reverie where erased and pushed aside as they waited and explanation to Blink's entrance, and the urgency in his voice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bolts stomach turned as David's words bit into her heart. "An accident, to who?" was all that Bolt could think of as Mayer stood up. "David slow down, what happened, what accident?" his father asked in a concerned, yet calm manor. "At Irving Hall, we didn't know where to turn. I just ran." David spat out, as he tried to catch his breathe, placing his hand over his side as he looked up at the ceiling and leaned on the table with his other hand. Les shot up from bed, looking between his mother and father, to his older brother.
"David, what is it?" Les asked, pushing the blankets off his tiny body and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.
"Queens, in Manhattan. They showed up at the rally tonight." David reported, standing up a little taller. "We weren't expecting it. We heard word that they were going to strike tomorrow,"
"Oh boy, and I missed it!" Les said jumping up and dressing himself.
"Les," Esther said heading over to him and making him stop. "You are staying right here. I was lucky I had to you stay home tonight."
"But mama," Les protested, his wooden sword already in hand.
"No but's." Esther stated leaving the little boy to drop his sword and mope back to bed.
"Go on David," Mayer beckoned as David broken into a story.
"We were at Irving Hall having our meeting. Medda was singing for us, trying to lighten the atmosphere when she stopped singing. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed three huge guys blocking all the door ways, and a few more Queens guys entering with chains, wooden planks, anything they could find to fight dirty against us who were all unarmed," David drew a deep breath and paused a moment. "Of course the girls screamed, when the lights when out. I could hear all sorts of people getting hit with things. Papa, I'm not sure what all happened. A few of us ran for it, and were able to knock down as many of their goons as we could. Crutchy---"David paused, his voice cracking slightly as his Adam's Apple moved up and down like a lump had been stuck in it. "He's hurt really bad," David finished. Bolt found her hand on her mouth as she braced herself for the words that David had said and Les shouted out "No!" Crutchy was hurt. The Jacobs' looked at each other as Mayer got up and followed David out the window. Esther ran to Les, holding the small boy back as he fought to run out with them, tears streaking down his face. Bolt stood stagnant, incapable of movement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dusk lead the way down the darkened streets of New York towards Irving Hall with Luna, Stretch, KO, Snare and London behind him. The sun was starting to show a little as the night sky lightened around the horizon in a lighter blue.
"Are ya sure it was at Irving Hall?" Snare asked looking at Luna.
"Positive. I's ovah hoid some of Spot Conlon's boids talkin' 'bout it." Luna replied, her nerves on end wondering if some of the girls had been involved with the rally.
"Shh," London called, hunching down and sneaking up a little further and staying in the shadows. They listened intently, wondering what London had heard. But soon their ears meet the noise that London had hushed them for. A few feet away in an alley, a small whimper echoed out.
"KO, go check it out," Snare demanded as he snuck up to follow behind him. KO nodded and headed for the alley as Stretch and Luna pushed past Dusk and London to follow.
"It's clear, but hurry an' get in heah!" KO called as Snare entered, stopping short as Luna and Stretch ran into the back of him to gaze down at a newsgirl on her side, facing away from them, blooded up.
"You's okay?" Snare asked, stepping closer as Luna pushed past too look at the girl, and stumbling back at the sight of her. Luckily it was not one of her newsgirls. "Shade?" Snare finally exclaimed looking closer at the girl.
"Whose dat?" Stretch asked, looking between the girl and Snare.
"Leave me's be," she whispered as Snare glanced around at them and nodded.
"Alright, let's go fellas," Snare spoke, his voice seeming slightly hollow. He led them away from the alley before he finally spoke up again. "Dat? Dat was Shade. One o' Spot Conlon's boids. Best when we see 'im dat we's tell 'im he's down a boid. She lived in Queens foah awhile, but hated it, an' moved ta Brooklyn. Queens looked at 'er like a tradah. I guess dat made 'er an easy target if Queens saw 'er here. Pay back most likely." Snare explained. Luna knew why the girl wanted to be alone, and felt sorry for her. She knew if she would walk past the alley in the morning, she would be dead. The gash to her head was bleeding so badly, and there appeared to be a stab wound in her stomach. Luna closed her eyes as she felt Stretch squeeze her hand. It wasn't until she felt a squeeze on her shoulder that she looked up to see London with her hand on both of their shoulders.
"Let 'er be. She wants 'er last breathe ta be alone. Can't deny 'er dat," she whispered, adding "it's a shame dat Preacher ain't 'round ta say a few woids ta 'er." Luna took a deep breath and followed them towards Irving Hall praying that that would not be the sight they would find there.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jack glanced at Blink and made an advance for the door. Graft picked up his hat and placed it on his head and turned to follow Jack out the door. Spot had already grabbed his cane and was out the door with Ease- Drop. Sneaks watched, afraid of what might have happened at Irving Hall.
"I's goin' too, we's got some of da utter goils dare," Sneaks stood up heading for the door as Chord caught a hold of her arm yanking her back.
"What's 'bout Reverie?" She asked looking down at the sick girl who slept on.
"She'll be alright, don't worry. Besides, Kloppman is here and he won't let anything happen to her," Preacher stood up, placing his hand on Sneaks shoulder. "I'll walk with ya Sneaks. The rest I would advise you to stay put unless someone calls for ya," he added, leading Sneaks out of the door.
Sneaks ran down the street with Preacher next to her. Her brother, Spot, Jack and Blink must have ran right out the door, because they were nowhere to be seen in the dampened street.
"This way, it's faster," Preacher called, jogging down an alley. Sneaks ran down and smacked into the back of Preacher who had jolted to a halt.
"Well, well, boys, what do we have here?" a snarl came from the shadows, the owner of the voice stepping forward carrying at bat in his hand.
"Boss, it's just dat Preacher kid, he ain't gonna hurt a fly," another boy spoke, stepping closer.
"Ah, yes, but whose da goil he's got wit 'im?" the first boy questioned again as the Sneaks felt Preacher's arm reach back and squeeze her arm.
"Ain't dat O'Halloran's sista?" another boy spoke up trying to gain a better look at Sneaks. She backed up slightly feeling herself bump into someone else. Spinning her head around she saw it was another boy, with a long thin scar running down the side of his face.
"I's believe it is, fellas," the scarred boy replied.
"Look, we're not looking for trouble," Preacher spoke up, still holding firmly onto Sneaks' arm.
"Den what's ya running in here so early in da morning foah?" the scarred boy questioned as Preacher turned himself to look at him.
"Me friend's sick," Sneaks replied as Preacher nodded. It wasn't lying exactly, her friend was sick and is sick therefore Preacher felt it was okay to go ahead and fool them.
"Oh's really?" the first boy questioned, batting the club over in the palm of his hand.
"Yes," Preacher nodded. "We were heading to Irving Hall to gather the rest of her friends up so they could pay their respects," Preach said in a tone that let Sneaks know that these were the Queens boys. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck stick up as she felt the boy behind her press closer to her.
"Well, I's think we's got ourselves an advantage ovah Brooklyn," he said suddenly grabbing Sneaks by the shoulder and yanking her backwards so that she was no long in Preacher's grasp.
"Let go o' me!" Sneaks shouted, praying that her voice would carry far enough for someone to hear her. The boys just laughed as Preacher made an advance towards them.
"Slash," Preacher warned stepping closer, "Let her go. Her friend is sick," Preacher pleaded as the other boy with the club stepped closer.
"Back off Preach," he hissed. "This ain't none of ya business. You's a friend ta Queens, but dat don't mean we's gonna let 'er go. She'll come in handy when 'er brudda needs 'er back," the boy smiled get a few howls from his gang.
"Bandit, please." Preacher begged again.
"Look, Preach, we's ain't looking ta fix ya, but if ya's stand in our way," Bandit advanced closer, making his club more threatening.
"Brooklyn never would fight this dirty," Preacher spoke on. "Remember ya brother, Slash. Crash, he would say ta fight fair," Preacher tried to strike a nerve.
"An it wasn't dat fair when da Lord took 'em from me when he's got in dat fight wit dis here goil's brudda," Slash hissed back as Sneaks closed her eyes.
"Graft fights a fair fight," she coughed out as she felt the boy push her aside into another boy's arms.
"Dis ain't none of ya business, just like Bandit says," Slash hissed, pointing his finger at Preacher.
"Let's go boys," Bandit called as they headed off, carrying Sneaks off.
"Preacher!" Sneaks yelled trying to reach out for his hand, but another one of Queens' goons knocked him down.
"Sneaks! Don't worry! I'll get help! Trust the Lord!" Preacher called back, attempting to stand up as another boy kicked in the side, sending his breath out of his lungs as he choked to get it back.
"What's going on here? Preacher?" David called as he ran in the other entrance of the alley.
"David—"Preacher tried to force out. "Queens, Sneaks," he pointed as David gazed down at Preacher and then back at the alley watching a group of boys walking off with Graft's sister.
"Go get help," David called running after the group, his father close behind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bubblegum looked up as Graft, Jack and Spot ran into Irving Hall lead by Blink. The night's events ran through her head as she tried to make sense out of what happened. Things had been going so smoothly, and the next minute, pure chaos had broken out in Irving Hall. Next to her crouched on the ground in a bloody mess was Crutchy. She hugged Windy and watched as Jack made his way towards them.
"Crutchy," Jack called in an alarmed manor, pushing past and kneeling down next to his buddy. "Crutchy, it's okay, Jack's here," Jack cooed as Crutchy laid emotionless in his unconscious state.
"What happened?" Spot demanded as he looked at a few other injured Newsies, a few of his own.
"A group o' Queens came in," Swifty replied, dabbing a bloody lip. " We's had no where ta run," he replied as Medda hurried from the back stage carrying several towels.
"Why any one would do this," she huffed, choking on tears as she handed them to the boys to clean up. "And ta Crutchy!" she cried. "They came in, marching in like they owned the place. I guess they broke through the door," she explained through her arms in the air. "There might have been ten, fifteen of them, all armed," she went on explaining what had happened.
"Punky, you's okay?" Dutchy walked over, making sure she was all right. She sat clutching her legs in her arms, rocking back and forth under a table.
"Why?" she mumbled as Hades ran over with a glass of water.
"Here, drink dis," she said shoving it in front of Punky who just pushed it away. "Come on, let's go." She tried once again, but Punky kept pushing it out of the way. "Oh dat's it," Hades huffed dumping the glass of water over Punky's head.
"What da hell!" Punky screamed, water dripping through her hair and down her face as Dutchy choked back a laugh and ended up making a snorting noise.
"Where's Dave?" Jack asked glancing around.
"I's think he ran out wit me," Blink replied, carefully stepping over Boots.
"Jack!" Preacher's voice called as he ran into Irving Hall holding his side.
"We's got a major problem heah," Jack said turning back to Preacher allowing Crutchy to enter Preacher's view.
"How bad is he?" Preacher asked striding over.
"Bad," Jack replied.
"We also have another problem," Preacher spoke up, watching as Medda started to dab at Crutchy's wounds.
"What's dat?" Jack asked his eyes shooting up at Preacher.
"It's Sneaks," Preacher said as Graft turned his attention towards him.
"Me sista? What 'bout 'er?" he asked.
"Queens," was all Preacher could manage.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Shh, do ya hear dat?" London called again as Luna listened intently. They heard a scream coming down the street, heading their way.
"Let go! Help!" the female's voice cried out in a familiar tone.
"Shut 'er up!" a males voice bellowed as they got closer.
"Dat's Sneaks' voice!" Luna suddenly exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
"A friend?" Snare questioned as Luna nodded. "Well, dat sounded like Bandit's voice," he said, his eyes narrowing. Luna noticed small veins in his neck slowly beginning to stick out and bulge.
"Dares a lot o' 'em," KO said, sneaking his head around the corner then coming back to them. "And dey do have a goil wit 'em." The waited in the shadows only a minute until the Queens gang marched into their view, holding their female hostage. Sneaks struggled as one of the Queens punched her across the face, hushing her cries for help.
"Sneaks," Luna gasped as London clasped her hand over her mouth to make sure she stayed quiet. As soon as they were out of view, Snare was ready with a plan.
"I's got an idea," Snare spoke up in a hushed whisper, incase they were still in earshot. "We's need ta split up," he said gazing between them. "If we's split up, some o' us can warn da utter's dat Queens has a hostage. Da rest o' us can follow 'em and spy on dem. See where dey's take 'er too an' see if we's can get 'er free. I's know dat dis is one huge cut foah Brooklyn, by takin' 'er." Snare informed.
"Why?" Stretch questioned.
"'Cause Sneaks is as good as a sistah ta Spot Conlon, not ta mention, dat Graft O'Halloran ain't gonna be a happy guy once he finds out dey got 'is sistah," London replied, answering her questioned.
"I's going ta Manhattan," Luna stated flatly. Her mind was racing about the other girls, if they were in trouble, or hurt...or worse.
"I's can go track down Sneaks den," Stretch offered as Snare nodded. "Right. I's want London ta go with Luna along wit Dusk. KO, Stretch an' I'll go track down Queens. We's betta goes now, befoah we's lose 'em." Snare ordered standing up and leaving. "I's try an' send woid once I got some," he added to Dusk who nodded and lead London and Luna towards Irving Hall.
"Ready?" he's called to his group. Stretch nodded, feeling her stomach tighten ever so slightly.
"Ya's gotta stay quiet an' out of site. Dare's way more den dem, den dare are o' us," he pointed out the obvious. "If dey's find us," he let his sentence drop, but Stretch new what the rest of it was. If they found them, they were as good as dead. Shade entered Stretch's mind as she gave a shutter and headed off into the city, following KO.
FIRST STRIKE
Luna stood up, ready to race out of the room. "We's hafta get ta Manhattan right away, befoah something bad happens!" she said looking at the Bronx newsies as they all glanced at her with confused expressions painted on their faces. "What's da mattah? What's gonna happen in Manhattan?" Snare asked standing up as well, a look of full concern etched on his face. "I's heard Spot Conlon sayin' dat dey's had a rally at Irving Hall ta night wit Manhattan," Luna explained, pouring out her concern not only for her friends, but for the newsies as well. "If Queens got ta dem—"she let her sentence trail as Stretch stood up. "Den we's gots ta go," Stretch agreed getting ready to head out the door, regardless if any of the Bronx kids helped or not. "We's can't just rush ovah dare if nuttin' is really happening," KO advised. "But we's can't risk havin' something happen an' us not be dare!" Luna shot back heading for the door now. "I's say dat we's send a small group ovah. If something is happening, send a runner ovah here ta get back up, ya hear me?" Snare ordered as a few nodded. "I's go wit ya, an' KO, London an' Dusk, you's come too. Da rest stay here until you's get woid. An' I's want Satire ta watch ovah me brudda, ya hear? I's get woid ta Preach tamorrow ta get 'im here ta look afta him." Snare walked over to his bunk, grabbing a chain and an extra belt. "Here, take dis," he said handing it to Luna. "Let's go," he called leading them out of the Lodging House. "Now where ya going?" Charlie called sticking his head out of his bedroom door way. "We's might have a problem in Manhattan Charlie," Snare said as Charlie nodded, stepping in his room and coming back out with another belt and handing it to London. "You's be careful, now ya here? Don't need to be losing you's kids foah good now," Charlie nodded as they headed out of the Lodging House. Luna felt her stomach turned as they headed towards the border. She knew they might already be too late.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minty frowned glancing down at Reverie as she finally lay speechless in her sleep. She feared that even though Reverie had stopped talking about all the things from the future, that she could start any moment, and they would end up getting caught. "Good dat she's finally sleepin'," Atlantic nudged to her. "Dat way she ain't talking 'bout all dat stuff from back home." Minty nodded, still not feeling sure what to do about the situation. "She's finally sleeping," Sneaks breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down next to Dream who had switched places with Illusion. Illusion just rubbed her hand over and over Reverie, praying that she would get better. "Yeah, 'bout time too," Dream nodded sleepily. The night was growing shorter, and the girls had barely even tried to sleep. "I wonder where the boys are?" Jay-Bug asked, looking at Gin who just shrugged and turned to look back at Reverie. "You," Jack said striding over to where Gin was sitting, "are really good at singin'. If ya's want, I's could get an audition foah ya wit Medda ovah at Irving Hall. She's always lookin' foah new talent ta showcase." Gin blushed gazing up into her favorite newsie's brown eyes. "You's really think I's dat good?" Gin gazed down, then back into his eyes as he nodded. "Sure!" he replied as Gin shrugged. "If you's can get me an audition, dat would be wonderful," she grinned, trying to contain her happiness. He thought she was really good at singing! The door burst open without warning as Blink ran in, carrying his hat in his hand. "Jack! You gotta come quick!" he yelled, sweat dripping from his brow, the girl realizing that he must have been running back to the lodging house. His face was pale white; his eyes seemed to be scanning the room in a frantic panic. For once all thoughts of Reverie where erased and pushed aside as they waited and explanation to Blink's entrance, and the urgency in his voice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bolts stomach turned as David's words bit into her heart. "An accident, to who?" was all that Bolt could think of as Mayer stood up. "David slow down, what happened, what accident?" his father asked in a concerned, yet calm manor. "At Irving Hall, we didn't know where to turn. I just ran." David spat out, as he tried to catch his breathe, placing his hand over his side as he looked up at the ceiling and leaned on the table with his other hand. Les shot up from bed, looking between his mother and father, to his older brother.
"David, what is it?" Les asked, pushing the blankets off his tiny body and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.
"Queens, in Manhattan. They showed up at the rally tonight." David reported, standing up a little taller. "We weren't expecting it. We heard word that they were going to strike tomorrow,"
"Oh boy, and I missed it!" Les said jumping up and dressing himself.
"Les," Esther said heading over to him and making him stop. "You are staying right here. I was lucky I had to you stay home tonight."
"But mama," Les protested, his wooden sword already in hand.
"No but's." Esther stated leaving the little boy to drop his sword and mope back to bed.
"Go on David," Mayer beckoned as David broken into a story.
"We were at Irving Hall having our meeting. Medda was singing for us, trying to lighten the atmosphere when she stopped singing. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed three huge guys blocking all the door ways, and a few more Queens guys entering with chains, wooden planks, anything they could find to fight dirty against us who were all unarmed," David drew a deep breath and paused a moment. "Of course the girls screamed, when the lights when out. I could hear all sorts of people getting hit with things. Papa, I'm not sure what all happened. A few of us ran for it, and were able to knock down as many of their goons as we could. Crutchy---"David paused, his voice cracking slightly as his Adam's Apple moved up and down like a lump had been stuck in it. "He's hurt really bad," David finished. Bolt found her hand on her mouth as she braced herself for the words that David had said and Les shouted out "No!" Crutchy was hurt. The Jacobs' looked at each other as Mayer got up and followed David out the window. Esther ran to Les, holding the small boy back as he fought to run out with them, tears streaking down his face. Bolt stood stagnant, incapable of movement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dusk lead the way down the darkened streets of New York towards Irving Hall with Luna, Stretch, KO, Snare and London behind him. The sun was starting to show a little as the night sky lightened around the horizon in a lighter blue.
"Are ya sure it was at Irving Hall?" Snare asked looking at Luna.
"Positive. I's ovah hoid some of Spot Conlon's boids talkin' 'bout it." Luna replied, her nerves on end wondering if some of the girls had been involved with the rally.
"Shh," London called, hunching down and sneaking up a little further and staying in the shadows. They listened intently, wondering what London had heard. But soon their ears meet the noise that London had hushed them for. A few feet away in an alley, a small whimper echoed out.
"KO, go check it out," Snare demanded as he snuck up to follow behind him. KO nodded and headed for the alley as Stretch and Luna pushed past Dusk and London to follow.
"It's clear, but hurry an' get in heah!" KO called as Snare entered, stopping short as Luna and Stretch ran into the back of him to gaze down at a newsgirl on her side, facing away from them, blooded up.
"You's okay?" Snare asked, stepping closer as Luna pushed past too look at the girl, and stumbling back at the sight of her. Luckily it was not one of her newsgirls. "Shade?" Snare finally exclaimed looking closer at the girl.
"Whose dat?" Stretch asked, looking between the girl and Snare.
"Leave me's be," she whispered as Snare glanced around at them and nodded.
"Alright, let's go fellas," Snare spoke, his voice seeming slightly hollow. He led them away from the alley before he finally spoke up again. "Dat? Dat was Shade. One o' Spot Conlon's boids. Best when we see 'im dat we's tell 'im he's down a boid. She lived in Queens foah awhile, but hated it, an' moved ta Brooklyn. Queens looked at 'er like a tradah. I guess dat made 'er an easy target if Queens saw 'er here. Pay back most likely." Snare explained. Luna knew why the girl wanted to be alone, and felt sorry for her. She knew if she would walk past the alley in the morning, she would be dead. The gash to her head was bleeding so badly, and there appeared to be a stab wound in her stomach. Luna closed her eyes as she felt Stretch squeeze her hand. It wasn't until she felt a squeeze on her shoulder that she looked up to see London with her hand on both of their shoulders.
"Let 'er be. She wants 'er last breathe ta be alone. Can't deny 'er dat," she whispered, adding "it's a shame dat Preacher ain't 'round ta say a few woids ta 'er." Luna took a deep breath and followed them towards Irving Hall praying that that would not be the sight they would find there.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jack glanced at Blink and made an advance for the door. Graft picked up his hat and placed it on his head and turned to follow Jack out the door. Spot had already grabbed his cane and was out the door with Ease- Drop. Sneaks watched, afraid of what might have happened at Irving Hall.
"I's goin' too, we's got some of da utter goils dare," Sneaks stood up heading for the door as Chord caught a hold of her arm yanking her back.
"What's 'bout Reverie?" She asked looking down at the sick girl who slept on.
"She'll be alright, don't worry. Besides, Kloppman is here and he won't let anything happen to her," Preacher stood up, placing his hand on Sneaks shoulder. "I'll walk with ya Sneaks. The rest I would advise you to stay put unless someone calls for ya," he added, leading Sneaks out of the door.
Sneaks ran down the street with Preacher next to her. Her brother, Spot, Jack and Blink must have ran right out the door, because they were nowhere to be seen in the dampened street.
"This way, it's faster," Preacher called, jogging down an alley. Sneaks ran down and smacked into the back of Preacher who had jolted to a halt.
"Well, well, boys, what do we have here?" a snarl came from the shadows, the owner of the voice stepping forward carrying at bat in his hand.
"Boss, it's just dat Preacher kid, he ain't gonna hurt a fly," another boy spoke, stepping closer.
"Ah, yes, but whose da goil he's got wit 'im?" the first boy questioned again as the Sneaks felt Preacher's arm reach back and squeeze her arm.
"Ain't dat O'Halloran's sista?" another boy spoke up trying to gain a better look at Sneaks. She backed up slightly feeling herself bump into someone else. Spinning her head around she saw it was another boy, with a long thin scar running down the side of his face.
"I's believe it is, fellas," the scarred boy replied.
"Look, we're not looking for trouble," Preacher spoke up, still holding firmly onto Sneaks' arm.
"Den what's ya running in here so early in da morning foah?" the scarred boy questioned as Preacher turned himself to look at him.
"Me friend's sick," Sneaks replied as Preacher nodded. It wasn't lying exactly, her friend was sick and is sick therefore Preacher felt it was okay to go ahead and fool them.
"Oh's really?" the first boy questioned, batting the club over in the palm of his hand.
"Yes," Preacher nodded. "We were heading to Irving Hall to gather the rest of her friends up so they could pay their respects," Preach said in a tone that let Sneaks know that these were the Queens boys. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck stick up as she felt the boy behind her press closer to her.
"Well, I's think we's got ourselves an advantage ovah Brooklyn," he said suddenly grabbing Sneaks by the shoulder and yanking her backwards so that she was no long in Preacher's grasp.
"Let go o' me!" Sneaks shouted, praying that her voice would carry far enough for someone to hear her. The boys just laughed as Preacher made an advance towards them.
"Slash," Preacher warned stepping closer, "Let her go. Her friend is sick," Preacher pleaded as the other boy with the club stepped closer.
"Back off Preach," he hissed. "This ain't none of ya business. You's a friend ta Queens, but dat don't mean we's gonna let 'er go. She'll come in handy when 'er brudda needs 'er back," the boy smiled get a few howls from his gang.
"Bandit, please." Preacher begged again.
"Look, Preach, we's ain't looking ta fix ya, but if ya's stand in our way," Bandit advanced closer, making his club more threatening.
"Brooklyn never would fight this dirty," Preacher spoke on. "Remember ya brother, Slash. Crash, he would say ta fight fair," Preacher tried to strike a nerve.
"An it wasn't dat fair when da Lord took 'em from me when he's got in dat fight wit dis here goil's brudda," Slash hissed back as Sneaks closed her eyes.
"Graft fights a fair fight," she coughed out as she felt the boy push her aside into another boy's arms.
"Dis ain't none of ya business, just like Bandit says," Slash hissed, pointing his finger at Preacher.
"Let's go boys," Bandit called as they headed off, carrying Sneaks off.
"Preacher!" Sneaks yelled trying to reach out for his hand, but another one of Queens' goons knocked him down.
"Sneaks! Don't worry! I'll get help! Trust the Lord!" Preacher called back, attempting to stand up as another boy kicked in the side, sending his breath out of his lungs as he choked to get it back.
"What's going on here? Preacher?" David called as he ran in the other entrance of the alley.
"David—"Preacher tried to force out. "Queens, Sneaks," he pointed as David gazed down at Preacher and then back at the alley watching a group of boys walking off with Graft's sister.
"Go get help," David called running after the group, his father close behind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bubblegum looked up as Graft, Jack and Spot ran into Irving Hall lead by Blink. The night's events ran through her head as she tried to make sense out of what happened. Things had been going so smoothly, and the next minute, pure chaos had broken out in Irving Hall. Next to her crouched on the ground in a bloody mess was Crutchy. She hugged Windy and watched as Jack made his way towards them.
"Crutchy," Jack called in an alarmed manor, pushing past and kneeling down next to his buddy. "Crutchy, it's okay, Jack's here," Jack cooed as Crutchy laid emotionless in his unconscious state.
"What happened?" Spot demanded as he looked at a few other injured Newsies, a few of his own.
"A group o' Queens came in," Swifty replied, dabbing a bloody lip. " We's had no where ta run," he replied as Medda hurried from the back stage carrying several towels.
"Why any one would do this," she huffed, choking on tears as she handed them to the boys to clean up. "And ta Crutchy!" she cried. "They came in, marching in like they owned the place. I guess they broke through the door," she explained through her arms in the air. "There might have been ten, fifteen of them, all armed," she went on explaining what had happened.
"Punky, you's okay?" Dutchy walked over, making sure she was all right. She sat clutching her legs in her arms, rocking back and forth under a table.
"Why?" she mumbled as Hades ran over with a glass of water.
"Here, drink dis," she said shoving it in front of Punky who just pushed it away. "Come on, let's go." She tried once again, but Punky kept pushing it out of the way. "Oh dat's it," Hades huffed dumping the glass of water over Punky's head.
"What da hell!" Punky screamed, water dripping through her hair and down her face as Dutchy choked back a laugh and ended up making a snorting noise.
"Where's Dave?" Jack asked glancing around.
"I's think he ran out wit me," Blink replied, carefully stepping over Boots.
"Jack!" Preacher's voice called as he ran into Irving Hall holding his side.
"We's got a major problem heah," Jack said turning back to Preacher allowing Crutchy to enter Preacher's view.
"How bad is he?" Preacher asked striding over.
"Bad," Jack replied.
"We also have another problem," Preacher spoke up, watching as Medda started to dab at Crutchy's wounds.
"What's dat?" Jack asked his eyes shooting up at Preacher.
"It's Sneaks," Preacher said as Graft turned his attention towards him.
"Me sista? What 'bout 'er?" he asked.
"Queens," was all Preacher could manage.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Shh, do ya hear dat?" London called again as Luna listened intently. They heard a scream coming down the street, heading their way.
"Let go! Help!" the female's voice cried out in a familiar tone.
"Shut 'er up!" a males voice bellowed as they got closer.
"Dat's Sneaks' voice!" Luna suddenly exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
"A friend?" Snare questioned as Luna nodded. "Well, dat sounded like Bandit's voice," he said, his eyes narrowing. Luna noticed small veins in his neck slowly beginning to stick out and bulge.
"Dares a lot o' 'em," KO said, sneaking his head around the corner then coming back to them. "And dey do have a goil wit 'em." The waited in the shadows only a minute until the Queens gang marched into their view, holding their female hostage. Sneaks struggled as one of the Queens punched her across the face, hushing her cries for help.
"Sneaks," Luna gasped as London clasped her hand over her mouth to make sure she stayed quiet. As soon as they were out of view, Snare was ready with a plan.
"I's got an idea," Snare spoke up in a hushed whisper, incase they were still in earshot. "We's need ta split up," he said gazing between them. "If we's split up, some o' us can warn da utter's dat Queens has a hostage. Da rest o' us can follow 'em and spy on dem. See where dey's take 'er too an' see if we's can get 'er free. I's know dat dis is one huge cut foah Brooklyn, by takin' 'er." Snare informed.
"Why?" Stretch questioned.
"'Cause Sneaks is as good as a sistah ta Spot Conlon, not ta mention, dat Graft O'Halloran ain't gonna be a happy guy once he finds out dey got 'is sistah," London replied, answering her questioned.
"I's going ta Manhattan," Luna stated flatly. Her mind was racing about the other girls, if they were in trouble, or hurt...or worse.
"I's can go track down Sneaks den," Stretch offered as Snare nodded. "Right. I's want London ta go with Luna along wit Dusk. KO, Stretch an' I'll go track down Queens. We's betta goes now, befoah we's lose 'em." Snare ordered standing up and leaving. "I's try an' send woid once I got some," he added to Dusk who nodded and lead London and Luna towards Irving Hall.
"Ready?" he's called to his group. Stretch nodded, feeling her stomach tighten ever so slightly.
"Ya's gotta stay quiet an' out of site. Dare's way more den dem, den dare are o' us," he pointed out the obvious. "If dey's find us," he let his sentence drop, but Stretch new what the rest of it was. If they found them, they were as good as dead. Shade entered Stretch's mind as she gave a shutter and headed off into the city, following KO.